US Navy Collaborates With Italian Navy in Indo-Pacific

The U.S. Navy and the Italian Navy conducted a first-of-its-kind Multi-Large Deck Event, known as an MLDE, in the Indo-Pacific region on Aug. 9.

The MLDE gave the U.S. and Italy the opportunity to participate in joint operations like maritime communications, air warfare operations and cross-deck flight operations. The purpose of the event was to improve combat readiness and strengthen integrated maritime operations between the U.S. and its NATO allies, the Navy said on Saturday. 

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The event was conducted by the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and the Cavour Carrier Strike Group and included the participation of more than 7,500 sailors and Marines from the U.S. and Italy.

“This was a great opportunity to operate with our close NATO Ally, Italy, in the Indo-Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Adan Cruz, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3. “Our efforts are critical in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Interoperability does not just happen, it is practiced and rehearsed across our teams to build the relations and connections necessary to successfully conduct an MLDE.”

This marks the first MLDE between the U.S. and Italian navies in the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. Navy said coordinated maritime engagements like these are part of the force’s “routine presence” in the Indo-Pacific, and they’re critical for ensuring maritime security in the region.